Gunnar Nelson and Omari Akhmedov are both fairly new to the Octagon, but you’d never have guessed it by Nelson’s dominating performance at UFC Fight Night 37 on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London.

Akhmedov opened strong with some heavy leg kicks and a big overhand right, but Nelson never looked in trouble, continually feinting and moving Akhmedov around the cage, keeping him on edge.

After feeling him out for a bit, gauging Akhmedov’s range, Nelson threw a straight left that set up a takedown, which he parlayed into full mount. Once in the dominant position, Nelson chipped away at Akhmedov, keeping his body tight to wear the Russian fighter down, all the while dropping numerous heavy elbows across his jaw.

Ahmedov eventually was able to position himself and push Nelson off with his feet, but the Icelander quickly dropped into side control, secured a guillotine choke and forced the submission finish before the close of the opening stanza.

Undefeated – now at 12-0-1 – Nelson has only exited the first-round twice, finishing 10 of his opponents inside the opening frame, and only twice going to a decision.

Despite residing in Iceland, Nelson fought the majority of the early part of his career in the U.K., having somewhat of a pseudo-homefield advantage against Akhmedov, and relishes that feeling.

“I love to fight here in England. I love the crowd,” said Nelson after the bout.

Undefeated and now boasting three consecutive victories in the Octagon, it’s likely that Gunnar Nelson will start his move into the upper reaches of the UFC welterweight division.